[JudyB1938]

> I can believe Vollmond's idea that all humans may have done is polish off already declining populations. <

I believe that's exactly what happened in the case of dinosaurs. I believe that's where the myths and legends of such creatures as the dragon of St George, the creatures in Beowolf, etc., come from - a remnant population that was still terrifying the countryside and was eventually wiped out.

As to WHY there was only a remnant population, I've never been able to figure out. So we're back full-circle as to what wiped out large critters, but not the smaller ones.

As far as the longevity of early man is concerned, I tend to believe the reason females come into menses so early is to ensure continuation of the human species. Unfortunately, that is in conflict with today's society.

[blam]

"I believe that's exactly what happened in the case of dinosaurs. I believe that's where the myths and legends of such creatures as the dragon of St George, the creatures in Beowolf, etc., come from - a remnant population that was still terrifying the countryside and was eventually wiped out. "

Nah. I think all the legends of dragons originate from comets. Here is what Geoffrey Of Monmouth (1100ad) said about MERLIN:

"...the star is of great magnitude and brilliance,with a single beam shining from it. At the end of this beam was a ball of fire, spread out in the shape of a dragon. From the dragon's mouth stretched forth two rays of light...the second...split up into seven smaller shafts of light. The star appeared there times, and all who saw it were struck with fear and wonder."

Ever wonder why all dragons are depicted with fire coming out their mouths? This may be the answer

This is probably the comet that split up and showered earth around 540ad and plunged the earth into the Dark Ages. The whole earth experienced a dark age at that time, not just Europe.